The Waste Map project highlights flows of waste in Uppsala, regionally and globally. By mapping waste sources, destinations, patterns, and resource use, it provides important insights into how to prevent, reuse, upcycle and recycle materials, build smarter waste management systems and inspire to more sustainable consumer behavior. This project empowers individuals and organizations to make informed decisions, reduce waste, and take collective action toward a more circular future. This project was conducted during the spring semester 2025.
Research questions and project report
Research questions and project goals
During the whole project period
- Engage the public in how waste is handled and how this can be improved, through video interviews, social media, or similar communication strategies.
Part 1
- Collect data on what is discarded in Uppsala, what happens downstream, and where the waste goes. Where is it handled and processed? How much can actually be recycled (retain its value) and how much can be reused (increase its value) and/or used in a reuse library system?
- Identify and list relevant Swedish and EU laws as well as Uppsala municipality’s regulations regarding waste, recycling, and circularity.
Part 2
- Investigate and map the social, societal, health, and ecological impacts of waste in Uppsala.
- Conduct life cycle analyses and calculations of carbon dioxide and environmental footprints for various types of products and materials linked to waste.
Part 3
- Create a digital waste map that can also be printed, and which is useful for various waste actors, consumers, and researchers.
Project Report
Emma Nyberg, Ida Nordström, Tyra Olding and Ebba Gilén (2025). Uppsala’s Waste Flow. A mapping to show waste management actors in Uppsala and how they can work towards a more sustainable waste system. Uppsala: Uppsala University. https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-562550
Emma Nyberg, Ida Nordström, Tyra Olding and Ebba Gilén (2025). Uppsala’s Waste Flow. A mapping to show waste management actors in Uppsala and how they can work towards a more sustainable waste system. Uppsala: Uppsala University. https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-562550
Download and read the full report here: Uppsala’s Waste Flow or below.